INDUSTRY NEWS
HENKEL SOUTH AFRICA is driving industrial growth, skills, and SME development through its Loctite mobile van.
Henkel South Africa’ s Loctite mobile van, a cutting-edge mobile training unit, aims to deliver practical product education, technical training and adhesive demonstrations directly to South African communities, small and medium-sized enterprises and industrial centers.
The mobile van was unveiled in Johannesburg in partnership with Randel, a proudly South African SME and trusted logistics partner to Henkel for over a decade. This milestone marks a bold step in Henkel’ s commitment to advancing industrial excellence, promoting skills transfer, driving SME development, and supporting inclusive economic growth across the country.
“ The primary goals of this initiative are to bring technical training and product knowledge directly to the people and places that need them most from remote worksites and industrial areas to educational institutions,” said Natasha Naidoo, Director of Adhesives Industrial, Henkel South Africa.“ This is about improving standards, empowering youth, and giving SMEs the tools and support they need to grow and compete on a larger scale.”
Fully equipped with demo stations, industryspecifi c simulation tools, and digital resources, the Loctite mobile van is built to deliver real-time, on-site training tailored to sectors
such as mining, manufacturing, construction, and automotive repair. The rollout will start in Gauteng, with plans for a nationwide expansion.
“ This project means growth for us, for Henkel, and for every community we visit. I am convinced it creates awareness, uplifts small businesses, and brings professionalgrade training to people who may never have had access before. The Mobile Van isn’ t just transport, it’ s a moving opportunity.”
Kreolan Pillay, MD of Randel, at the van launch in Johannesburg“ This project means growth for us, for Henkel, and for every community we visit. I
am convinced it creates awareness, uplifts small businesses, and brings professionalgrade training to people who may never have had access before. The Mobile Van isn’ t just transport, it’ s a moving opportunity.”
Naidoo emphasized that the initiative is designed to stimulate entrepreneurship and innovation. The partnership with a local SME aims to empower entrepreneurs by providing access to high-quality adhesive technologies, technical training, and mobile support directly to their businesses. This not only enhances their operational capabilities but also fosters job creation and skills development within their communities.
The mobile van will serve as a platform for cocreation and problem-solving, encouraging local innovators to experiment with new applications of Loctite products across diverse industries. In addition to technical demonstrations, the van will host skills development workshops and showcase real-world applications of Loctite’ s industry-leading adhesive technologies. SMEs will also gain access to expert guidance typically available only in formal training centers.
The initiative aligns with Henkel’ s global purpose to be“ Pioneers at Heart for the Good of Generations”, proving that innovation can go hand-in-hand with social impact.“ When corporates and SMEs come together with purpose, the result is more than business. It’ s about building industries that are stronger, more inclusive, and future-ready,” added Naidoo.
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WORDS IN ACTION 52 SEPTEMBER 2025